Rachel Hansen, a 19-year-old from Arizona, was tragically murdered in her apartment two years ago.
Two years ago, Rachel Hansen, a 19-year-old from Gilbert, Arizona, was tragically shot and killed in her apartment. Despite a desperate 911 call and an ongoing investigation, her killer remains at large. The release of chilling 911 transcripts offers new insights into Rachel’s final moments and highlights the challenges faced by investigators in this perplexing case.
A Night of Terror
On June 4th, 2022, just a week before her 20th birthday, Rachel was asleep in her apartment when an intruder broke in. In the early morning hours, around 2:00 am, a single gunshot rang out, ending Rachel’s life and shattering the peace of the gated community.
A Desperate Plea for Help
Fighting for her life, Rachel managed to call 911. Her voice, shaky and filled with terror, painted a grim picture for the dispatcher. “I’ve been shot,” she cried out, “Someone broke in and shot me.” She provided her address, her pleas for help growing more urgent, “Please hurry, please hurry…I’m bleeding, I’m bleeding.”
A screenshot of a 911 call interface.
The dispatcher, trying to keep Rachel conscious and gather crucial information, asked if she could apply pressure to the wound. “Do you have any kind of clean cloth there that you can apply pressure to?” the dispatcher asked. “Is there anybody there with you?”
Rachel, alone and terrified, responded, “No… whoever broke in and shot me left.”
The dispatcher continued to press for information, seeking anything that could help Rachel. “Are you close to any kind of cloth or shirt or a towel that you can use?”
Rachel’s heartbreaking response spoke volumes about her dire situation, “No…there’s nothing near me… I can’t.”
A Race Against Time
Tragically, difficulties in pinpointing Rachel’s address caused a delay in emergency response. It took nearly five minutes from the time firefighters located the address on their map to their arrival at the scene. Precious minutes that might have made a difference were lost.
A Mother’s Anguish, a Community in Fear
Rachel’s mother, Kim, who had opened her home to over 100 foster children throughout the years, including Rachel, was devastated. She believes her daughter was targeted, but the lack of answers has only compounded her grief.
A close-up of a person holding a phone, potentially during a 911 call.
The community, once a haven of safety, was left shaken. Residents grappled with the knowledge that a killer had walked among them, leaving behind an unspeakable tragedy.
A Search for Answers
Two years later, the investigation into Rachel’s murder remains open. The Gilbert Police Department has remained tight-lipped about potential suspects or persons of interest, leaving the public with more questions than answers.
The newly released 911 transcripts, while providing a glimpse into Rachel’s final moments, offer little in the way of concrete leads. The lack of witnesses and the single gunshot wound have compounded the complexities of the case.
A Glimmer of Hope
Determined to find justice for their daughter, Rachel’s family has hired a private investigator and started Rachel’s Rescue, an animal rescue organization, in her honor. They cling to the hope that someone will come forward with information, a piece of the puzzle that could finally crack the case wide open.
The investigation into Rachel Hansen’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the importance of community vigilance. Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Gilbert Police Department or Silent Witness.
